We created a W8 app for 1 specific client and could install by creating a package in VS using Project/Store -> Create app packages. Then in the Surface RT of my client, right click on the .ps1 file and Run with Power Shell. However, the PC  asked to renew a developer license before it worked and I am afraid this will repeat every month - maybe when he's not connected to Internet. Why does an installation PC ask that and how do I prevent it?

I thought I could do it as follows, which could also make it easier for my client to install a new version:

1
Setting the Group Policy to allow trusted applications updates the following registry setting: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx\AllowAllTrustedApps = 1

2 Running this batch file: Powershell.exe -executionpolicy remotesigned -File  C:\temp\InstallApp.ps1

where InstallApp.ps1 contains

DISM /Online /Add-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackagePath:D:\Projects\xxx_AnyCPU_Test\xxx_AnyCPU.appx /skiplicense

This works, it says installed successfully, the Surface says 1 new app on the startscreen - but the app is nowhere to be found.

So my next question: does this ..../skiplicense line prevent Windows from asking for a developer license, but in that case: why isn't the app visible or findable?

• Moved by Rob Caplan [MSFT]Microsoft employee 20 hours 50 minutes ago

Sideloaded apps don't need developer licenses. It sounds like the system isn't set up properly for side loading. Since that is system configuration rather than development the folks in the TechNet forums will be better able to help.

Hello Rob,

Thank your for your (again) quick reply. I searched further in the Technet forum and found by reading a few different articles what is most likely the solution:

1 Setup Group Policy, possible on RT as well,  by typing services.msc in the Run box or on the Start screen, scroll down and find the Group Policy Client and double click it. This opens its Properties dialog box and you need to set the Startup Type to Automatic.

2

• Click to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and then App Package Deployment.

• Double-click the Allow development of Windows Store apps without installing a developer license setting.

• In the Allow development of Windows Store apps without installing a developer license window, click Enabled and then click OK.

• Double-click the Allow all trusted apps to install setting.

• In the Allow all trusted apps to install window, click Enabled and then click OK.

That should do the trick, also in just a Surface RT.